The Society is delighted to announce that its bid to the National Heritage Lottery for the Sir Samuel Thomas Evans’ Grave Restoration Project has been successful. We have received £9,966 from the HLF. Additionally, £200 has been received from Coedffranc Town Council. A further £200 has been contributed from our own funds.

Sir Samuel Thomas Evans (1859 – 1918) is a man of significance in Skewen, having risen from a grocer’s son, living at 40 Main Road, Skewen to become one of the most senior figures in the nation’s Judiciary during his lifetime with roles in the Dr. Crippen and Titanic affairs. Due to his connection with Andrew Carnegie, Samuel Evans was instrumental in establishing the Carnegie Hall Community Library at Evelyn Road, Skewen. Despite living away in London, Samuel Evans returned to Skewen to participate in local events and it was his request that he be buried in Skewen. The funeral of Sir Samuel Thomas Evans in 1918 was the largest ever seen in the village after his coffin was brought back from London by train. Thousands of people lined the streets as a mark of respect.  The funeral service was held in Tabernacle Chapel where Samuel Evans and his family had worshipped. Sir Samuel Thomas Evans was finally laid to rest in the churchyard of St. John the Baptist.

The family grave of Sir Samuel Thomas Evans is currently in a state of disrepair. Skewen & District Historical Society’s grave restoration project will be collaboration with the vicar of St. John’s Church, Revd. Chris Coles. Additionally, there will be Heritage Displays on the life and achievements of Samuel Evans and an Information Board near the grave provided by the local Men’s Shed. A future Heritage Trail and booklet about Samuel Thomas Evans is planned along with other community involvement. It is anticipated that restoration work will start in 6 to 8 weeks.

The Society is very grateful to the Heritage Lottery and Lottery players for making this work possible.

We are delighted to confirm that the Society has been awarded a £1000 grant under the Tesco ‘Bags of Help ’ community funding scheme. Many thanks to all those who contributed to this success by choosing to vote for Skewen & District Historical Society with their blue shopping tokens.

The award will be used for the benefit of members – more details to follow.

The Society would like to thank Tesco for its inclusion in the scheme.

With many of us facing a long period at home, perhaps now is the time to sort through those little used drawers,  cupboards and boxes to see if you find anything of interest for local historians.  It may be a photograph, document, map etc. which you could  scan and send to us now, or if you don’t have the capability to do that, just put the item to one side and pass it to any member of the Society when it is safe to make contact.

If sending photographs, please add as much information as you can – date, names of people shown, location, event.

Many people have traced their family history – do you have an interesting story you would like to share – we can publish it in our newsletter “Hanes”.

So search those drawers and cupboards and see what you find.